Madison Heights DDA to hold Snowman Challenge

MADISON HEIGHTS — Looking to drum up excitement for the city’s downtown district, the Madison Heights Downtown Development Authority and the Madison Heights/Hazel Park Chamber of Commerce will be holding a snowman-making contest, where the creators of the winning snowman will receive a $100 prize.

The first annual Snowman Challenge will take place Saturday, Jan. 27 — or Saturday, Feb. 3, if there’s no snow on Jan. 27, or if it’s too cold — from 1 to 3 p.m. in the lot next to Keys Car Care, 27366 John R Road.

All Madison Heights families are invited to the event. Participants can compete as individuals or as a group; there is no limit on team sizes, and each team will be assigned a lot on which to build.

They can also decorate their snowmen with items they bring from home, although the decorations will not be returned. No obscene, violent or questionable material will be allowed at the family-friendly event.

Participants will begin building snowmen at 1 p.m. The building wraps at 3 p.m. Then a special guest judge will determine the winners. First place will receive a $100 prize, while second place will receive a family pizza dinner, courtesy of Zino’s. Participants and spectators can enjoy free hot cocoa and cookies at the event, provided by the DDA.

“This event is just the beginning of more special events to come from the DDA,” said Linda Williams, the city’s economic and community engagement supervisor. “It’s a way to engage and bring families together to our downtown district during this cold winter season. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for favorable snow-packing weather.”

She wouldn’t say who the special guest judge is, but she offered a hint: “He likes to sing and dream of summer.”

Keri Valmassei, executive director of the MH/HP Chamber of Commerce, offered another hint: “He’s beloved by many children — and he’s not Santa.”

Brian Hartwell, mayor of Madison Heights, said the city is focused on bringing families out of their houses into the DDA’s business district along 11 Mile and John R roads.

“We’re in the planning stages of a few larger projects, including a multicultural makers market, a scavenger hunt, a food truck rally, and a community open house at the south-end fire station,” Hartwell said. “The city is focusing on 11 Mile because of the densely spaced neighborhoods with new residents quickly moving into those homes. Another key aspect of 11 Mile is the unique physical design of the buildings. The businesses are mostly built along the sidewalks. The other mile roads in our city have vast seas of parking lots, whereas 11 Mile is a walkable, accessible district with a greater potential for locally owned retail and dining developments than anywhere else in the city.”

For more information or to register for the event, call (248) 583-0831.